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Responses to U.S. and Iranian military action, 2020

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Following authorization from President Donald Trump (R), the United States executed a drone strike in Iraq that killed Qasem Soleimani, the commander of Iran's Quds Force, on January 3, 2020.[1][2]

The Department of Defense said in a statement, "General Soleimani was actively developing plans to attack American diplomats and service members in Iraq and throughout the region. General Soleimani and his Quds Force were responsible for the deaths of hundreds of American and coalition service members and the wounding of thousands more."[1]

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the U.S. Congress had not been consulted on the action. "Tonight’s airstrike risks provoking further dangerous escalation of violence. America – and the world – cannot afford to have tensions escalate to the point of no return," she said in a statement.[3]

This page provides an overview of how Democratic and Republican Party leadership and the 2020 Democratic presidential candidates responded to the strike and the ensuing Iranian military action against Iraqi bases housing U.S. soldiers.

Click on the following officials and presidential candidates for their initial response to the conflict:

Republican officials

Democratic officials

2020 presidential candidates



U.S. House vote on Iran war powers resolution

On January 9, 2020, the House voted to restrict Trump's authority to use military power against Iran without congressional approval by a vote of 224 to 194.[4]


Responses to targeted strike against Qasem Soleimani

Republican Party Republican Party leadership

Donald Trump, president of the United States

“

We took action last night to stop a war. We did not take action to start a war.

I have deep respect for the Iranian people. They are a remarkable people, with an incredible heritage and unlimited potential. We do not seek regime change. However, the Iranian regime’s aggression in the region, including the use of proxy fighters to destabilize its neighbors, must end, and it must end now.

The future belongs to the people of Iran — those who seek peaceful coexistence and cooperation — not the terrorist warlords who plunder their nation to finance bloodshed abroad.

The United States has the best military by far, anywhere in the world. We have best intelligence in the world. If Americans anywhere are threatened, we have all of those targets already fully identified, and I am ready and prepared to take whatever action is necessary. And that, in particular, refers to Iran.

Under my leadership, we have destroyed the ISIS territorial caliphate, and recently, American Special Operations Forces killed the terrorist leader known as al-Baghdadi. The world is a safer place without these monsters.[5]

”
—Donald Trump, January 3, 2020[6]

Mike Pence, vice president of the United States

“ Yesterday, President @realDonaldTrump took decisive action and stood up against the leading state sponsor of terror to take out an evil man who was responsible for killing thousands of Americans. Soleimani was a terrorist. ... Soleimani was plotting imminent attacks on American diplomats and military personnel. The world is a safer place today because Soleimani is gone.[5] ”
—Mike Pence, January 3, 2020[7]

Mike Pompeo, secretary of state

“ We want the world to understand that there was, in fact, an imminent attack taking place. The American people should know that this was an intelligence-based assessment that drove this.[5] ”
—Mike Pompeo, January 3, 2020[8]

Mitch McConnell, Senate majority leader

“

Qassem Soleimani had spent years masterminding attacks on American servicemembers and our partners throughout the Middle East and expanding Iran’s influence. Despite sanctions, despite prohibitions by the UN Security Council, he roamed throughout the region with impunity.

His hands bore the blood of more American servicemembers than anyone else alive. Hundreds of American families have buried loved ones because of him. Veterans have learned to live with permanent injuries inflicted by his terrorists. And in Iraq, in Syria, and beyond, the entire region felt the effects of his evil tactics.

We should welcome his death and its complication of Tehran’s terrorism-industrial complex. But we must remain vigilant and soberly prepare for even further aggression.

Now, it is completely appropriate this decision would generate interest and questions from this body. We can and should learn more about the intelligence and thinking that led to this operation and the plan to defend American personnel and interests in the wake of it.[5]

”
—Mitch McConnell, January 6, 2020[9]

Richard Burr, Senate Intelligence Committee chairman

“

Qassem Soleimani was the personification of a state sponsor of terrorism. At his direction, hundreds of American servicemen were killed and thousands more injured. At his urging, U.S. allies were attacked repeatedly and undermined by Iran’s Quds Force and their proxies.

Under Soleimani, Iran has become the single most destabilizing force in the Middle East and an exporter of tyranny throughout the region. The blood of hundreds of thousands of innocent Iraqis, Yemenis, Syrians, Israelis, and countless others is on his hands.

Soleimani is also responsible in part for Iran’s current economic strife, as he put his violent campaigns and the enrichment of the corrupt Quds Force ahead of the interests of the Iranian people.

Iran and the Iranian people can now turn away from Soleimani’s murderous adventurism, redirect the Quds Force’s money into Iran’s economy, bring home the troops Soleimani sent abroad, and move forward toward building a more peaceful region.[5]

”
—Richard Burr, January 3, 2020[10]

Kevin McCarthy, House Republican leader

“

Over the last month, an Iran-backed terrorist organization attacked American bases in Iraq, killing one American and wounding several others. President Trump responded appropriately by striking known terrorist bases in Iraq and Syria. Iran chose to escalate this situation further by using proxy groups, terrorists, and militias to attack our embassy in Baghdad. In a display of resolve and strength, we struck the leader of those attacking our sovereign U.S. territories.

Qassem Soleimani was a terrorist. He was responsible for the deaths of hundreds of U.S. soldiers and thousands of innocent Syrian civilians. He funneled weapons into Iraq, used to attack our service members. He smuggled weapons into Yemen to continue a civil war and has worked tirelessly to help prop up the Assad Regime as it killed its own people.

Today’s confirmation is not only a statement to those seeking to attack America, but it also marks the stark difference between this administration and previous ones. We will not let attacks that kill Americans go unpunished.[5]

”
—Kevin McCarthy, January 2, 2020[11]

Democratic Party Democratic Party leadership

Nancy Pelosi, speaker of the House

“

American leaders’ highest priority is to protect American lives and interests. But we cannot put the lives of American servicemembers, diplomats and others further at risk by engaging in provocative and disproportionate actions. Tonight’s airstrike risks provoking further dangerous escalation of violence. America – and the world – cannot afford to have tensions escalate to the point of no return.

The Administration has conducted tonight’s strikes in Iraq targeting high-level Iranian military officials and killing Iranian Quds Force Commander Qasem Soleimani without an Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) against Iran. Further, this action was taken without the consultation of the Congress.

The full Congress must be immediately briefed on this serious situation and on the next steps under consideration by the Administration, including the significant escalation of the deployment of additional troops to the region.[5]

”
—Nancy Pelosi, January 2, 2020[3]

Chuck Schumer, Senate minority leader

“

Last night, the United States conducted a military operation designed to kill Major General Qassem Soleimani, a notorious terrorist. No one should shed a tear over his death.

The operation against Soleimani in Iraq was conducted, however, without specific authorization and any advance notification or consultation with Congress. I am a member of the Gang of Eight, which is typically briefed in advance of operations of this level of significance. We were not.

The lack of advanced consultation and transparency with Congress was put in the Constitution, or rather the need for advanced consultation and transparency with Congress, was put in the Constitution for a reason: because the lack of advanced consultation and transparency with Congress can lead to hasty and ill-considered decisions. When the security of the nation is at stake, decisions must not be made in a vacuum. The framers of the Constitution gave war powers to the legislature and made the executive the commander-in-chief for the precise reason of forcing the two branches of government to consult with one another when it came to matters of war and of peace.[5]

”
—Chuck Schumer, January 3, 2020[12]

Adam Schiff, House Intelligence Committee chairman

“

There is no question that Soleimani played a leadership role in Iran’s malign and deadly activity throughout the region for decades. At the same time, his targeted killing and the U.S. airstrikes that killed Iran-aligned Iraqi militia members have sharply escalated tensions with, and are likely to prompt a response from, Iran. We have been on this path of escalation since the unilateral U.S. withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal and the Administration’s imposition of sanctions under the maximum pressure campaign, followed by Iranian led attacks on U.S. military facilities in Iraq, on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, on oil infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, and other malevolent Iranian action.

If the Administration had some broad strategic objective in mind or was acting in concert with our allies and making progress towards modifying Iran’s belligerent behavior, Americans could have confidence that this latest U.S. strike would make us safer. But if there is some broad strategy at work, the Administration has yet to articulate it. More ominously, it has yet to show that ‘maximum pressure’ is doing anything but prompting more dangerous and deadly responses from Iran and increasing the likelihood of full-fledged war.

The Administration owes Congress and the American people answers.[5]

”
—Adam Schiff, January 3, 2020[13]

Mark Warner, Senate Intelligence Committee vice chairman

“

Qassem Soleimani was an enemy of the United States who was responsible for violence across the Middle East and the deaths of thousands of people, including hundreds of Americans. He should not be mourned.

Presidential administrations of both parties have traditionally consulted with Congress before conducting strategically significant military actions, not only because it is constitutionally appropriate, and not only because doing so provides the opportunity to secure bipartisan congressional support – but also because that process allows for the airing of outside perspectives that might not otherwise be considered, and ensures that tough questions get answered.

This is a situation that could easily and quickly escalate even further, and it is not clear that the Trump Administration has a plan to prevent another catastrophic war in the Middle East. We need to be prepared for the long-term potential consequences of this action, which include: counter-attacks on U.S. troops and personnel in the region; substantial harm to the ongoing fight against the remnants of ISIS; and ultimately, the possibility of reduced U.S. influence in the region, further empowering our adversaries to the detriment of U.S. national security and our allies in the Middle East.

The Trump Administration must act with all due haste to protect U.S. military and diplomatic personnel and other Americans in the region.[5]

”
—Mark Warner, January 3, 2020[14]

Democratic Party 2020 Democratic presidential candidates

Michael Bennet

“

Donald Trump is the weakest foreign policy president in my lifetime.

This was a terribly reckless and provocative act. It’s the latest in a long string of non-strategic choices that he has made in the Middle East that have weakened our position and strengthened Iran's.

You couldn’t be more naive to believe that this was going to result somehow in Iran coming to the negotiating table, rather than creating the potential for another war — which is the last thing we need in the Middle East.[5]

”
—Michael Bennet, January 3, 2020[15]

Joe Biden

“ No American will mourn Qassem Soleimani’s passing. He deserved to be brought to justice for his crimes against American troops and thousands of innocents throughout the region. He supported terror and sowed chaos. None of that negates the fact that this is a hugely escalatory move in an already dangerous region. The Administration’s statement says that its goal is to deter future attacks by Iran, but this action almost certainly will have the opposite effect.[5] ”
—Joe Biden, January 2, 2020[16]

Michael Bloomberg

“ Qassem Soleimani was a murderer with the blood of Americans on his hands. Without more information, we can only hope that the president has carefully thought through the national security implications of this attack for our country and the grave risks involved. But given his track record and his history of making reckless and impulsive decisions that undermine U.S. strategic objectives and weaken our allies — most recently in Syria — there is every reason to be deeply concerned. It is imperative that the administration now de-escalate this crisis in order to prevent wider conflicts and protect American lives, and prevent Iran from escaping domestic pressure to reform its political and economic systems.[5] ”
—Michael Bloomberg, January 3, 2020[17]

Cory Booker

“

Make no mistake – Qasem Soleimani was a ruthless, evil leader who had orchestrated countless attacks that have cost American lives. Today, many questions remain and must be answered on the intelligence reports that led to this action, what steps were undertaken to prepare our personnel and partners in the region, and the consequences of an escalatory attack with no clear endgame.

This President has no long-term strategy for dealing with Iran, bringing stability to the Middle East, or avoiding military conflict with Iran. The reality is that Americans are evacuating from cities across the region because this morning Americans at home and abroad are at risk from Iran’s potential retaliatory actions. Members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee must be briefed on the extent of Iran’s capabilities across the region, plans to keep our embassies, troops and personnel safe in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and the Gulf, and diplomatic engagement with our allies and partners.[5]

”
—Cory Booker, January 3, 2020[18]

Pete Buttigieg

“ There is no question that Qassim Suleimani was a threat to that safety and security, and that he masterminded threats and attacks on Americans and our allies, leading to hundreds of deaths. But there are serious questions about how this decision was made and whether we are prepared for the consequences. ... Before engaging in military action that could destabilize an entire region, we must take a strategic, deliberate approach that includes consultation with Congress, our allies, and stakeholders in the Middle East.[5] ”
—Pete Buttigieg, January 3, 2020[19]

John Delaney

“ What is important at this moment in time is full coordination between the Administration and Congress to ensure the safety of all Americans in Iraq and throughout the region. That has to be our number one priority. While Soleimani was directly responsible for the deaths of countless lives, including many Americans, and was a significant danger to our troops and a destabilizing force in the region and deserved to be brought to justice for his actions against our troops, the Administration’s failure to brief Congressional leadership on this action is troubling and raises the risk of reckless actions that could lead to a dangerous escalation.[5] ”
—John Delaney, January 3, 2020[20]

Tulsi Gabbard

“ Trump's actions last night in bombing the Baghdad airport with the targeted killing of Iran's top military general was an act of war—with no authorization or declaration of war from Congress. He has put us in a state of war with Iran and seriously escalated this tat for tat conflict, pushing us deeper into an endless quagmire. ... We need to get out of Iraq and Syria now. That is the only way that we're going to prevent ourselves from being dragged into this quagmire, deeper and deeper into a war with Iran.[5] ”
—Tulsi Gabbard, January 3, 2020[21]

Amy Klobuchar

“ Qassem Soleimani was responsible for directing Iran's destabilizing actions in Iraq, Syria and throughout the Middle East, including against U.S. forces. But the timing, manner and potential consequences of the administration's actions raise serious questions and concerns about an escalating conflict. Our immediate focus needs to be on ensuring all necessary security measures are taken to protect U.S. military and diplomatic personnel in Iraq and throughout the region. The Administration needs to fully consult with Congress on its decision-making, response plans, and strategy for preventing a wider conflict.[5] ”
—Amy Klobuchar, January 3, 2020[22]

Deval Patrick

“ Qassim Suleimani was a menace to the world and to peace-loving people everywhere. He was responsible for the deaths of thousands of innocent people, including Americans, and his death will not be mourned by me.

At the same time, a difficult situation is becoming more dangerous because of a lack of leadership. Responsible leadership requires that we consider and plan for the consequences in advance, but unfortunately we do not have a responsible leader. Without the President explaining the plan or path forward, we risk making the situation even more perilous and our country and the world less safe. Our priorities now must be de-escalation, protecting our country and our allies, the American people, and innocents everywhere, and working with Congress and our allies to stabilize the region.[5]

”
—Deval Patrick, January 3, 2020[23]

Bernie Sanders

“

When I voted against the war in Iraq in 2002, I feared it would lead to greater destabilization of the country and the region. Today, 17 years later, that fear has unfortunately turned out to be true.

The United States has lost approximately 4,500 brave troops, tens of thousands have been wounded, and we've spent trillions on this war.

Trump's dangerous escalation brings us closer to another disastrous war in the Middle East that could cost countless lives and trillions more dollars.

Trump promised to end endless wars, but this action puts us on the path to another one.[5]

”
—Bernie Sanders, January 2, 2020[24]

Tom Steyer

“

Soleimani was a terrorist responsible for killing Americans. But this wasn't authorized by Congress and is an escalation that risks a wider war with Iran. Mr. Trump risks making a bad situation worse with reckless action.

It is essential that we protect American service members and citizens throughout the region while working with our allies to prevent further escalation that could lead to a devastating war that Americans do not want.[5]

”
—Tom Steyer, January 3, 2020[23]

Elizabeth Warren

“ Soleimani was a murderer, responsible for the deaths of thousands, including hundreds of Americans. But this reckless move escalates the situation with Iran and increases the likelihood of more deaths and new Middle East conflict. Our priority must be to avoid another costly war.[5] ”
—Elizabeth Warren, January 2, 2020[19]

Marianne Williamson

“ Prayers for peace. Killing of Qasem Solemani by US military was one of the most reckless irresponsible actions ever directed by a US President. Congress deserves condemnation for allowing it (NDAA) and Americans need to understand this: War with Iran would be totally disastrous.[5] ”
—Marianne Williamson, January 2, 2020[22]

Andrew Yang

“ War with Iran is the last thing we need and is not the will of the American people. We should be acting to deescalate tensions and protect our people in the region.[5] ”
—Andrew Yang, January 2, 2020[25]

Republican Party 2020 Republican presidential candidates

Joe Walsh

“

Soleimani was evil. The world is better without him

Trump is incompetent. The world is more dangerous with him in the White House

There’s no plan. No strategy

Here we go again: further embroiling ourselves in the Middle East. We’ll never learn

Reminder: Congress declares war.[5]

”
—Joe Walsh, January 3, 2020[26]

Bill Weld

“ Right or wrong, the United States is closer to war with Iran than we have been in decades. How we got here is a conversation for another day. Where we go from here? That is a question that demands clear and stable leadership.[5] ”
—Bill Weld, January 3, 2020[27]

Responses to Iranian missile strike against U.S. soldiers in Iraq

Republican Party Republican Party leadership

Donald Trump, president of the United States

“

Our great American forces are prepared for anything. Iran appears to be standing down, which is a good thing for all parties concerned and a very good thing for the world.

No American or Iraqi lives were lost because of the precautions taken, the dispersal of forces, and an early warning system that worked very well. I salute the incredible skill and courage of America’s men and women in uniform. ...

As we continue to evaluate options in response to Iranian aggression, the United States will immediately impose additional punishing economic sanctions on the Iranian regime. These powerful sanctions will remain until Iran changes its behavior.[5]

”
—Donald Trump, January 8, 2020[28]

Mitch McConnell, Senate majority leader

“

I was troubled but not surprised by reports that Iran fired ballistic missiles at U.S. forces in Iraq last night. As I have warned, the threat posed by Iran has been growing for years, and this threat will continue even beyond the death of Tehran’s master terrorist, Qassem Soleimani. ...

We can and should debate how to responsibly respond to Iranian threats. But the notion that our administration is to blame for Iranian aggression is nonsense.

For 40 years—since the founding of the Islamic Republic—Iran has consistently pursued aggression against the United States. Against Israel. Against its Arab neighbors.

The question before us is not who is to blame for this aggression. It is how to best deter and defend against it.[5]

”
—Mitch McConnell, January 8, 2020[29]

Democratic Party Democratic Party leadership

Nancy Pelosi, speaker of the House

“ Closely monitoring the situation following bombings targeting U.S. troops in Iraq. We must ensure the safety of our servicemembers, including ending needless provocations from the Administration and demanding that Iran cease its violence. America & world cannot afford war.[5] ”
—Nancy Pelosi, January 7, 2020[30]

See also

Footnotes

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Department of Defense, "Statement by the Department of Defense," January 2, 2020
  2. ↑ NBC News, "U.S. airstrike kills top Iran general, Qassem Soleimani, at Baghdad airport," January 3, 2020
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Speaker of the House, "Pelosi Statement on Airstrike in Iraq Against High-Level Iranian Military Officials," January 2, 2020
  4. ↑ U.S. House Clerk, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 7," January 9, 2020
  5. ↑ 5.00 5.01 5.02 5.03 5.04 5.05 5.06 5.07 5.08 5.09 5.10 5.11 5.12 5.13 5.14 5.15 5.16 5.17 5.18 5.19 5.20 5.21 5.22 5.23 5.24 5.25 5.26 5.27 5.28 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
  6. ↑ White House, "Remarks by President Trump on the Killing of Qasem Soleimani," January 3, 2020
  7. ↑ Twitter, "Mike Pence," January 3, 2020
  8. ↑ CNN, "Secretary of State Mike Pompeo Live On New Day; Iran Vows Revenge After U.S. Strike Kills Top Leader; Tens Of Thousands Rally In Tehran Against The United States," January 3, 2020
  9. ↑ Mitch McConnell, "McConnell on Ongoing Threat from Iran," January 6, 2020
  10. ↑ Richard Burr, "Intel Chairman Richard Burr on Death of Iran’s Qassem Soleimani," January 3, 2020
  11. ↑ Kevin McCarthy, "McCarthy Statement on the Death of Qassem Soleimani," January 2, 2020
  12. ↑ Chuck Schumer, "Schumer Floor Remarks On Airstrike In Iraq Against High-Level Iranian Military Officials," January 3, 2020
  13. ↑ House Intelligence Committee, "Chairman Schiff Statement on U.S. Strike Killing Iranian General Soleimani," January 3, 2020
  14. ↑ Mark Warner, "Senate Intel Vice Chair Warner on Soleimani," January 3, 2020
  15. ↑ Twitter, "Michael Bennet," January 3, 2020
  16. ↑ Facebook, "Joe Biden," January 2, 2020
  17. ↑ Mike Bloomberg, "Statement from Mike Bloomberg on the Killing of Qassem Soleimani," January 3, 2020
  18. ↑ Cory Booker, "Booker Statement on U.S. Killing of Iranian Leader," January 3, 2020
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 USA Today, "2020 presidential candidates react to killing of Iranian military leader Qasem Soleimani," January 7, 2020
  20. ↑ John Delaney, "Delaney Statement on Airstrike in Iraq Against Iranian Military Officials," January 3, 2020
  21. ↑ Facebook, "Tulsi Gabbard," January 3, 2020
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 The Hill, "2020 Democrats: Iran airstrike 'reckless,' 'could cost countless lives,'" January 3, 2020
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 CBS News, "Democratic presidential candidates react to Soleimani strike," January 3, 2020
  24. ↑ Twitter, "Bernie Sanders, January 2, 2020
  25. ↑ Twitter, "Andrew Yang," January 2, 2020
  26. ↑ Twitter, "Joe Walsh, "January 3, 2020
  27. ↑ Twitter, "Bill Weld," January 3, 2020
  28. ↑ White House, "Remarks by President Trump on Iran," January 8, 2020
  29. ↑ Mitch McConnell, "McConnell: 'We Must Remain Vigilant in the Face of the Serious Threat Posed by Tehran,'" January 8, 2020
  30. ↑ Twitter, "Nancy Pelosi," January 7, 2020
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